Beyond Dinner and a Movie: 12 Unique Valentine's Day Date Ideas

I don’t consider myself a romantic, so celebrating Valentine’s Day really isn’t my thing. It’s certainly one of the more popular romantic date nights of the year, and it’s obvious love is in the air that night.

If you and your partner have been together for a while, like me and my husband, and if you’re able to get a rare night out — you don’t want to spend it doing the typical. Say goodbye to the generic “dinner and a movie” dates, and make this year’s Valentine’s Day date one you’ll remember for years by doing something a little more unique. The romance will still be in the air, but you’ll have a better story to go with it.

Here are 12 Valentine’s Day dates that go beyonddinner and a movie:

1.) Recreate the first date you ever had togetherFirst dates are always a little awkward, but chances are since you and your partner are still together, you made it past the awkward stage. Relive it all for Valentine’s Day without the awkward by recreating that first date. If you went to a movie, rent it and make out at home like you did that night. If you went out for dinner, go back to the same restaurant or one-up it by making the same recipe at home.

2.) Take a boxing class together, and throw punchesIt’s kind of the anti-love date, but I bet the two of you will be laughing the entire time. The endorphins from exercising are a bonus, too. You may end up finding a new passion or, at the very least, you’ll lie in bed the next day and nurse your bruises. If you’re on the hunt for a good boxing class, read how to find a good gym on ExpertBoxing.com

3.) Give back some love by volunteering at a local charity.
Doing good always helps us feel better, and what way to both give each other the love vibes plus help those in need? Find a local animal shelter in your area that needs some help. And if you’re an animal lover like me, find a local shelter in your area at The Humane Society of the United States.

4.) Try your hand at funny!
If you’ve always been the funny couple in your circle, try your hand at comedy for real! Sign yourselves up for an amateur night of stand-up comedy. If you’ve never done stand-up comedy, be sure to read up on your performance first by reading 6 Tips for Performing Comedy.

5.) Do something bad!I’m not talking something that will get you in big trouble with the law, but something relatively harmless like skinny-dipping in the ocean at night. Dr. Ruth Westheimer, psychosexual therapist and author of 52 Lessons on Communicating Love,said on Oprah.com that pumping in some fresh air by doing something new can have a positive affect on your relationship.

6.) Rent your or your partner’s “dream car.”Take your partner and your dream car you’ve rented on a weekend adventure, and enjoy the fast pace while reconnecting! You may want to check out something like Gotham Dream Cars to find something that will have all eyes on you.

7.) Play “Truth or Dare.”
Stay home, and play a fun game of “truth or dare” and see where the night takes you. Forget how to play? Brush up on your rules, and check out these must-ask questions for your romantic game for two.

8.) Spice up your bedroom.
Spend the day shopping at home decor shops for upgrades to your bedroom. Take care of quick-fixes during the day, and then enjoy the new room in the evening. Read simple ways to spice up your bedroom to get the most out of your shopping trip.

9.) Play paintball, but in the dark.
It’s fun, exciting, romantic, and again, the exercise will get those endorphins rushing! You don’t want to actually hurt each other so be sure to read up on how to play safely while still having fun.

10) Do something scary!
Think about the one thing you’ve always wanted to do, yet seem to be a little too afraid to do. Think skydiving or bungee jumping! Who better to take that plunge with than your partner on the most romantic day of the year?

11.) Live it up!
Go out to a fancy bar in your best getup, and sip on a fancy cocktail with your beau. Try something new off the list of exotic cocktails and find your new signature drink!

12.) At-home art class!
Go to the art supply store, and pick up big canvases and all the paint you need. Spend the next few hours doing finger-painting portraits of each other, and laugh or marvel at the artwork you’ve created. Don’t forget to hang it in the house afterward!

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